Lighting Up The Season

By Diana Johnson

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

To The Editor:

Thank you everyone for taking in stride the rescheduling of the 29th Ram Pasture Christmas Tree lighting. Our gain was a sparkling clear night and a snow covered setting that showed off the 2,200 luminaria, which lined the streets and pasture and led the way to our Christmas Trees in a true winter wonderland.

We extend our thanks once again to the Chamber of Commerce and Park & Rec who have always played major roles in the tree lighting. In addition, the luminaria boxes provided by Curtis (Packaging) Corporation steal our hearts every year. And thank you Newtown Hardware for many of the luminaria candles. We also wish to thank The Newtown Bee, which lists the names of honorees and their sponsors of bulbs and luminarias each week.

Very much appreciated are the new LED lights on the Community Christmas tree which allow us to be both “greener” and brighter and are provided by the Newtown Energy Alliance. Thank you Highway Department for hanging them so beautifully.

Thank you Santa and Mrs Claus! Your arrival is always eagerly anticipated…..with new visitors each year!

Dave Spence Sound and Kesco Electric are behind the scenes, both essential and very appreciated.

Thank you Luminaria Committee for boxing up and distributing supplies to each individual homeowner….and also to Dunkin’ Donuts for the delicious coffee and donuts that “keep us going.” Thank you homeowners for placing and lighting the luminaria along your streets – and Girl Scout troop 50651 for lighting the candles around Ram Pasture – which are placed there by the Park & Rec crew.

Who provides us with fresh cookies and cider? Thank you Union Savings Bank and Peoples Bank!

Thank you also to Lathrop School of Dance, XY Chromotones, High School Chorus, High School Dancers and Newtown Jugglers. Your entertainment thrills all of us.

How proud we were to have our First Selectman Pat Llodra light the trees. There aren’t enough accolades for this remarkable person whose leadership has led us on a wise and thoughtful path of healing.

Police, firemen and ambulance personnel who are always there for us...we thank you for your safety net that too often is taken for granted.

The Christmas Tree & Luminaria Committee (Amy Mangold, Stan Perrone, Joy Kopesky, Janet Woycik, Diana Johnson) after many years of working together, still “feel the magic” while continuing to respect the true meaning of this event.